I feel like I've been in a bit of a slump lately. The last couple of weeks, my anxiety has been easier to trip than normal so it's been difficult to focus on much of anything.

I picked up "Diary of a Single Wedding Planner" expecting it to be fun...I came away a bit disappointed. I didn't realize it would be in DIARY FORMAT the entire time. I felt like the main character spun in circles most of the time and I wanted to shake some sense into her...or at least shake her enough so she'd spin a different direction.

I received a copy of "The Sorcery Code" by Dima Zales to review. I felt bad because I couldn't finish it. I had high hopes because this is the same author that wrote "Oasis" and I quite enjoyed that one. I had trouble really getting into the plot or caring much about the characters. I wanted to like this book. The premise sounds like something I'd enjoy but it fell short.

Right now I'm reading "Fairy Tale Confessions" and having more fun. Sometimes a collection of short stories is just what you need to cleanse the reading palate.

I did some cleaning/organizing this week and endured a 2 day migraine so my reading wasn't quite as impressive as it has been in the past.

But, I did kick some book butt.

I finally finished Winter, the final book in the Lunar Chronicles. It was beautiful and the perfect ending to this series. The fairy tale aspects were woven quite well into a modernized story and I was able to close the book with a huge smile on my face. There's a prequel I haven't read and more books set to come out by this author so watch here because I'll probably read those too.

I jumped into The Power of Six, book 2 in the Lorien Legacies. I'm really enjoying this series. It's a neat little trip into a fantasy world where aliens aren't ALL evil or all insanely powerful. The first book (I Am Number Four) is where you should start.

Next, I picked up a NetGalley read. This novella was short and sweet. Another fantasy (duh) with shifters and witches, The Scarlett Legacy, is apparently one of many books by different authors based in the same setting. I'll let you know if I read any others, but this was a nice palate cleanser.

I picked up Ensnared, the final book in the Splintered Trilogy, after a dismal failure at another NetGalley book. (I got 75% of the way through and was so bored I abandoned it for Ensnared)This was a great way to round out the Splintered story. Want to talk about happily ever after? That's this one.

I've had Snowbound sitting in my Kindle library since 2013. After I read, and loved, the Wayward Pines Trilogy I decided to give this author another go. It was okay. More horror and action than anything else. The suspense was almost too much and I got burned out on it toward the end. Which is why....

...the final book I picked up was a romantic comedy by RS Grey called Scoring Wilder. This book had me giggling throughout. I kept reading bits to my husband because he kept asking "What? Oh, book?" when I laughed out loud. It was definitely a good way to end the readathon.

After reading so intensely for 7 days I feel like I need a bit of a break. So I'll be reading at a more leisurely pace while trying to run a first round of edits on my already written novel.

Stay tuned for tomorrow's post! I'll be sharing what it was like my first day waiting tables (hint: embarrassing)

Call Me, Maybe by Ellie Cahill(sorry for the ear worm)A phone mixup makes this an amusing but still very hot romance novel! It hits the deck on February 9th but you can preorder if you want! (I recommend it, I loved this book)Neanderthal Seeks Human by Penny ReidTHIS BOOK IS CURRENTLY FREE!Are you awkward? This is your heroine! Every painfully awkward encounter you've had with the opposite sex (or whatever...I don't judge) will make you relate to the main character of this book. It was sort of freeing to read something where the heroine wasn't perfect.

Be sure and PIN or bookmark this page to refer back to when you need something light to read in 2016. You won't be disappointed!!

Todd Travis is recommended for fans of Dean Koontz, James Patterson, and Stephen King.

Not going to lie, it was the Stephen King recommendation that made me wary. I've hated most of the King works I've read. Don't get me wrong, they're very well-written. I'm just not a fan of his stories.

That being said...Todd Travis is an author to have on your radar.

A geek. A fat chick. A slow learner. A psycho suicide girl. A wannabe criminal. Five outcast high school kids with nothing in common except that nobody liked them. Five losers with nothing to look forward to but torment and harassment every day; nothing, that is, until they were introduced to the game. SEX, MARRY, KILL. An online game that would change their lives and give them power over others. They could do anything they wanted, sleep with anyone they wanted to, kill anyone who got in their way. Their every fantasy fulfilled. But at a mortal price. They soon discover that game will consume and destroy them unless they find some way to stop it before it’s too late.

It's been over a year (I think) since I read this book. I rated it at 5 stars and mentioned enjoying the pace and humor in my review.

​Most of the reviews are in the same vein. It's very well written and holds just the right amount of terror.

A deranged serial killer roams wintry rural Nebraska targeting little girls with a demented purpose that no one can fathom.

Special Agent EMMA KANE, a former DC cop and damaged goods now with the FBI, is assigned to baby-sit burned out profiler JACOB THORNE, once the best in the business but now said to have lost his edge, as they both fly to Nebraska to catch this maniac.

Thorne is erratic, abrasive and unpredictably brilliant, but what he and Kane find in the heartland is much more than anyone bargained for, especially when the Iceman challenges them personally, where it hurts most.

The clock is ticking and a little girl’s life is on the line.

And maybe even more with that, once they find out what he’s really up to. ​

I was basically at a loss for words when I finished this book. My review on Goodreads was full of shock.

I literally just finished this book (like, just clicked through the last page)

Oh my God.

Sonofabitch.

Freaking awesome. More than one WTF Moment I didn't see coming. Travis is definitely a writer to watch.​

I wasn't all that eloquent. But that's what this book did to me. If you're interested in this author, do NOT skip this book.

What are you waiting for? Start reading!

Sometimes you just need a fluffy romance. Sometimes you need angsty, heart-wrenching moments. And sometimes...you just need some, ahem, in your books.

Here are a few good romances I've picked up lately! Click any of the pictures to head to the Amazon page and get your own copy!

When life turns to hell, most people talk about running away. Abbi Mitchell actually does it. Determined to escape her humiliating heartbreak and her overbearing mother, Abbi takes a summer job at a resort in Alaska. It's supposed to be four months of snow-capped mountains, peaceful wilderness, and figuring out if she should wait for her lifelong sweetheart to come back, as he has promised he'll do.

Instead, it's Henry Wolf.

Owner of the luxury hotel chain, Henry Wolf is cool and composed, successful with everything he touches, and undeniably beautiful. And for some reason Abbi can't fathom, he wants her—the farm girl from small town, USA with no corporate experience—as his personal assistant.

After the 50 Shades fiasco, I started rolling my eyes at the "innocent girl and powerful boss" angle...but this book nails it. It's erotica so be sure to check over your shoulder if you're picking it up in public! *wink*
It ends on a cliff-hanger and I can't wait for the next book to drop...next year. Sigh.

Roxie Callahan is a private chef to some of Hollywood’s wealthiest, and nastiest, calorie-counting wives. After a dairy disaster implodes her carefully crafted career in one fell ploop, she finds herself back home in upstate New York, bailing out her hippie mother and running the family diner.

When gorgeous local farmer Leo Maxwell delivers her a lovely bunch of organic walnuts, Roxie wonders if a summer back home isn’t such a bad idea after all. Leo is heavily involved in the sustainable slow food movement, and he likes to take his time. In all things. Roxie is determined to head back to the west coast as soon as summer ends, but will the pull of lazy fireflies and her very own Almanzo Wilder be enough to keep her home for good?

First of all, I love Alice Clayton. Everything I read by her makes me giggle out loud. Yes, this is an erotic romance (or whatever...there's sex okay?) It's hilarious. The characters are well rounded and very well written. Clayton will have you laughing out loud as you follow Roxie on her journey to find herself. Definitely get a copy of this one and you can join me waiting for the next one. (It's a standalone but there's another in the series coming)

Lately, things have been a little weird for Sloane Barrett—late night crank calls, disturbing images inher inbox, her tires slashed. She tries not to let it bother her. She tries to pretend everything is ok. Then someone breaks into her house and attacks her...and Sloane realizes she needs professional help. Tall, gorgeous and overwhelmingly intense help.But Sloane knows all too well just how much trouble intense guys can be.Security Specialist Ciaran Ross's priority is to ensure Sloane is safe. His gut tells him she's in danger, but his feelings for her are pulling his focus. Ciaran has already made the mistake of falling for a client, and the results were disastrous. He won't risk it again. He can't. But running from love is the surest way to get Sloane killed...

I'm not ALLOWED to tell you a lot about this book because it doesn't come out until December 7th...but it's fantastic.
Very rarely does a book make me feel naughty for reading it in public... this one sure did! (It got me through a 2 hour wait in urgent care) I think I loved everything about this book. The plot and subplot meshed very well together. You can pre-order it now.

Legal Stuff!
I received this book for free through Tomoson in exchange for my honest review. Receiving it free did not impact my review in any way.

A new dystopian/post-apocalyptic series from a New York Times bestselling author

My name is Theo, and I'm a resident of Oasis, the last habitable area on Earth. It's meant to be a paradise, a place where we are all content. Vulgarity, violence, insanity, and other ills are but a distant memory, and even death no longer plagues us.

I was once content too, but now I'm different. Now I hear a voice in my head, and she tells me things no imaginary friend should know. Her name is Phoe, and she is my delusion.

Or is she?

_First of all, I don't usually like sci-fi. Occasionally I find something that I like and can actually read without wanting to throw it across the room.

This book stayed firmly in my hands throughout the day it took me to read it.

It's so good!!

I want to be very very careful spoiler wise so forgive me if I vague it up a little.

This is one of those books that constantly changes it up on you. Just when you think you have something figured out, another question pops up. (Kind of like LOST but with a real ending.)

When I hit the big finale twist I actually said to my husband, "Wow. I did NOT see that coming." And, honestly, I read so many books that I can predict just about any twist. (It makes life boring)

I kept checking the reading percentage because the tension was so high, I was afraid for the protagonist. In fact, at several points I thought his purpose was to die.

This book hits Amazon on January 19th, 2016. As of the posting of this blog, it's under special pre-order price of $2.99. You definitely want to click below or on the photo above to go and set it up to be delivered to you the day it comes out.

From her author page on Amazon:Mother of two beautiful children, she has been married to her best friend for over 16 years. With the help of supportive family and friends, she balances her family, a thriving counseling practice, and writing without sinking into insanity.

She doesn’t need a hero. But a sexy Marine…that’ll work.

Though Lauren Baxter’s world is a blurry mess of colors, she has no tolerance for pity. With the help of her guide dog, Jack Sparrow, she’s built a good life for herself. She has everything she wants: her PhD, a thriving counseling practice and her independence.When she meets her new neighbor, the man’s warm Texas accent and clean male scent weaken her knees. Her attraction to the former Marine is mutual and, unfortunately, a complication she doesn’t need.Gabriel Briggs carries the weight of the world on his shoulders. He has his reasons for indulging only in short-term flings, but the feisty, green-eyed Lauren makes him want to forget every one.In a rare moment of fragility, Lauren winds up in Gabe’s arms. One night together can’t break their self-imposed rules, right? But when a woman from Gabe’s past is murdered, the reasons he should have stayed away become painfully clear, threatening innocent lives he may not be able to save—especially Lauren’s.

This was just plain fun. Yes, there's a little angst in it...just enough to keep you interested and keep the story moving. But overall, I had fun reading this book. When you're looking for a light romance, I'd point to "Blind Love." It was so sweet and lovely overall. Plus, I got to learn a little about the sight disorder mentioned in the novel. (And you all know I'm a big ol' nerd so I love a book that also teaches me something slightly obscure)

​If you want to live, you must let go of the past...

Twenty-eight-year-old Psychologist, Alisha Dimarchi, is abducted by an obsessed client and imprisoned in his Pakistani compound for over two years. Forced to change her name and live as his second wife, her life is filled with trauma and heartbreak. Thrust into a world of violence and oppression, Ally must fight not only to keep herself alive but to protect the lives of the people she now considers family. At night, she retreats into her memories of the only man she has ever loved – a man she believes no longer loves her.

Thirty-four-year-old handsome surgeon, David Dimarchi, has spent the last two years mourning the disappearance of his wife. After a painful and isolated existence, he begins the process of healing. It is then that he is visited by a stranger, who informs him that Ally is very much alive and needs his help. In a desperate attempt to save her, David enlists the help of a mercenary. Together they find themselves in the center of more than just a rescue mission. Will he be able to reach her in time and if he does, will she still want him?

Before we get into my review I have to throw a big trigger warning on this book. Sexual assault, general violence, and death specifically.

This book....oh my god, this book.

I read this book in a single day. This isn't out of the ordinary for me. But it's the only book in a long time I kept wanting to put down because it was overwhelming but couldn't because I had to find out what happened next. I literally wrote to Kishan 30% of the way in and told her I felt like crying already. (And high-fived her virtually because she nailed it)This book will reach into your soul and nest there for DAYS. Talk about major feels and angst. The frightful topics are handled so well and I literally held my breath at some parts because I was caught up in the drama. I'd call the ending a tentative happily-ever-after. You don't get a "and then everyone got better and everything is perfect" but a more realistic "and everyone started healing." I appreciated that SO MUCH. But yeah....this book. [insert dramatic sigh]

I'm sure Kishan is working on her next novel as you read this. "The Second Wife" just came out recently so I have no news on future works (but you can bet I'll be reviewing them here!)

You can click on the book photos above to be taken to the Amazon page to learn more or purchase *wink wink* *nudge nudge*

Never Never by Brianna Shrum is a high fantasy twist on one of your childhood stories: Peter Pan. I was lucky enough to snag an e-copy for review!

The book tells the story of Captain James Hook. The reader is taken on a journey from his childhood until his adulthood in Neverland.

I, honestly, was a bit wary of this book. Fairy Tale Twists can either be totally original or a boring retelling of the story we already know. This was the former.

I knew, going in, that Pan would be portrayed as the antagonist. I didn't expect to hate him as much as I did by the end. I didn't expect to feel so much for the man I formerly considered the villain of the story: Capt Hook.

I found it hard to put this book down! I thought I knew where Hook's story went and how he ended up but being in his shoes and watching the character come to life was enthralling.

Without giving away too many spoilers, I will say I didn't see the love angle coming or the ending. It was an ending I both loved and hated. At the book's conclusion, the ending was hauntingly beautiful and heartbreaking. It stayed with me long after I'd put the book down and I found myself replaying the final moments over and over.

I'd recommend this book to anyone that loves a spin on classic tales you heard/watched as a child. I will say there are some light sexual moments but not enough to qualify it as erotica or romance for me. (But use your own judgment before handing it to your kid) There are some slow moments but the pace picks up soon after so it's easy to keep going. The story is engaging and fun while being frightening and heart-rending at the same time.

It turns out TV watching is easier when you're high on pain meds. Make a note!

I did read a couple of things though.

After attending years of public school and for reasons unknown, sixteen-year-old Evelyn Hollyander AKA Evie, finds herself suddenly "dumped" at Pinehurst, a stuffy private school for the Mageia—the children of magic. Gone are the days of Geometry and Keyboarding, Evie’s schedule now consists of classes that teach defensive spells and charms against the deadly creatures of the Underworld. She discovers that her magical abilities are far more pronounced than that of her classmates, or even her teachers for that matter. She's forced into sixth period PE, boys only “boot-camp” for Slayers; and is taunted by some of the students for being the only female Slayer—ever!

The actual link has more but it pretty much spoils the book. It's FREE right now...for good reason. It's a fun book, mostly, but there is a serious lack of proofreading (dropped quotations and the like) and the ending is incredibly rushed. Like, it goes from 0 to throwing an ending at you in a few chapters. I gave it 3 out of 5 stars I think. I'm glad I didn't pay for it.

These are not the mild-mannered maidens of your childhood. These are fallen princesses and fierce women with no recollection of who they are, where they came from, or how they arrived in a mysterious town called Everafter. All they know is that they've been sentenced to a stretch in a half-way house by a malicious judge with an ax to grind. They've been stripped of their freedom, their kingdoms, and their true loves. Now, they have nothing left to lose.

Now THIS was a good book! I snagged it for 99 cents but it's worth full price. At first I was hesitant because fairy tale retellings seem to be popular right now and I was worried it would be another overdone story.

It's a quick read that I didn't mind flying through. It was fun and engaging. It had me giggling at times and I'm actually looking forward to the next book in the series. (It comes out Sept 2015 with a third book slated for winter 2016) 5/5 stars here!